Light Streams – The Story
One of California’s most magical places is anywhere the Sempervirens Redwood trees grow. Combine that scene with fog from the Pacific Ocean and you have a real treat. After about six trips to Damnation Creek trail in Redwood National Park on the Pacific Coast, the conditions were just right. The fog was present and starting to lift. There was just enough light to clearly see Redwoods, forest ferns, and those magnificent light streams. And a shot was born!
Redwoods in Fog – The Story
I was in the same grove of redwoods, just looking around, taking in the beauty of the moment. The fog continued to thin out and lift, leaving behind its fingers of light interweaving among the second growth redwood trees. My imagination was taking me through the ever brightening forest, further into the redwood trees, wondering what gems lie ahead. I tried to work quickly so as not to lose the beautiful fingers of light at their maximum effect.
King Peak Sunset – The Story
One of my favorite annual hikes in California was to the summit of King Peak in the King Range National Conservation Area. Invariably you could count on a heavy layer of fog moving in during the late afternoon, hugging the Pacific Coast line, and presenting some gorgeous sunset views. This year’s visit did not disappoint!
Punta Gorda – The Story
Another favorite hike was to the Punta Gorda Lighthouse south of Cape Mendocino. On this day the weather was ideal, a light breeze, a few clouds, plenty of birds and sea creatures, and beautiful wildflowers. Hiking down the coast has to be timed to miss high tide lest you get blocked from rounding the final rocky point that can cut off access to the now abandoned Lighthouse. As you walk in the deep sand or higher up on a ledge along the beach it is easy to let the calm, steady sound of the waves lull you into meditation and thanksgiving for such beauty.
Sunset on Marina – The Story
I had just attended a Continuing Education class on Celtic Spirituality, featuring a study of John O’Donohue’s work, Beauty. The classroom was in one of the buildings near the lovely marina and as I left the building, the sunset was starting to present wonderful golden colors. It seemed like the perfect moment to capture what we had just finished discussing.
Eel River Estuary – The Story
I was exploring with a group of native plant enthusiasts and we were trying our best to stay on dry ground while getting closer and closer to the Pacific Coast which was just over the sandy ridgeline. The day was perfect for exploring. There was a storm moving in, but very slowly. We could hear the steady, gentle sound of surf in the background. And we were all enjoying putting our powers of observation to the test, looking for familiar and also new wildflowers.
Low Tide on Humboldt Bay — The Story
I had hiked out on the South Jetty, watching the receding tide and the approaching sunset. There was a lovely layer of fog beginning to mix in with the exposed channels. The fog also created beautiful layers of contrast along the Coast Range in the distance. The sky was turning its usual pink-red-orange blend of sunset colors but mixed in with fog. At the moment of this shot I had found a vantage point with some elevation. It gave me a great perspective to capture all these parts in one scene.
Ma-le’l North — The Story
This lovely spot is near the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I was intrigued by the tunnel like effect that the shore pines and elegant drapes of hanging moss were creating. To my right was Humboldt Bay, a thick cover of fog just beginning to lift. There was no wind, no movement on the Bay. The water’s surface was as smooth as glass. There was a mystery about it. Where would that walk through the natural tunnel lead? What was beyond the fog?And yet all was calm, serene, and quiet.
Klamath Overlook — The Story
The northern California coast has always attracted me. It is rugged. The weather is quite unpredictable. On this particular visit I climbed to one of the Coast Trail Heads called Klamath Overlook. From this point you’re about 800 ft above the ocean and you can see where the Klamath River joins the Pacific Ocean. At various times of the year wave action builds up a sandspit that nearly cuts off the Klamath River. The sandspit can be seen in this view. Many times whales can be seen near the sandspit awaiting the fish that gather there. Seals sit on the sand awaiting their share of the bounty. Fishermen are also usually around in season. The cycle of nature yet an idyllic setting.
Coast Trail — The Story
I was setting out from the Klamath Overlook and hiking North even though it looked like a major rain storm might be closing in. The beauty of the scenery pulled me on. I didn’t even have rain gear. I figured I could place my camera under my jacket, keeping it nice and dry, if the rain did arrive. No matter! When I saw this view I was particularly struck by the sunlight on the ocean highlighting an area of the most beautiful color of sea green. That has always been one of my favorite colors I think.
Vortex — The Story
Hiking on up the coast, the storm clouds quickly moving my way, the smell of fresh rain in the air, some rumblings of thunder. Then this convergence of clouds and ocean came into view. Another line of sunlit sea green ocean color. Just moments before a pouring rainstorm began I was able to take this shot! Then I quickly covered up my camera under my jacket and started running back towards the car. Soaking wet, but oh what a view!
Redwood Lilies — The Story
I had been watching a patch of Redwood Lily plants for several weeks. They were growing wild in a section of Humboldt Redwoods SP and it was a joy to notice them year after year, returning to their glory state, getting a bit taller, adding a few blooms to their stalks. Their buds began to swell and I knew the peak time was close so I made a couple trips every week. Finally the day arrived. There was a dusting of yellow pollen on the petals so I knew they hadn’t been open for long. I walked around the lovely plants. They were about 3 feet tall. The bright sunlight on the mostly white flowers made a short exposure with relatively narrow depth of field possible. The resulting black background made for a dramatic effect. And this was nature at her finest!
Calypso Orchids — The Story
It’s a treat to be hiking in the deep forest and find the little Calypso Orchid also called Fairyslipper. It is only about 3 to 7 inches tall, blooms in early summer, and is considered “uncommon.” I felt pretty lucky to find this little group but there wasn’t much light. The forest canopy was dense and blocked out most of the natural sunlight. So I got down on the forest floor and used my elbows as my tripod. My clothes got a little wet and muddy but then I did get the photo!
Poppy — The Story
Growing plants in California seemed so easy. I especially enjoyed concentrating on native plants, the Poppy being the State flower. My backyard was full of their vibrant colors. Many had just opened up and the petals had fresh dustings of pollen. Bees would be coming soon. I zeroed in on the details of the veins in the petals, the stamens, and the pollen. The range of yellows and orange were especially delicate. My memory preserved of a beautiful flower.
Calla Lily — The Story
I was walking in meditation on the grounds of a retreat center in Auburn. The gardens were simple, beautifully cared for, and full of a wonderful variety of lovely plants and trees. I saw a grouping of Calla Lilies and started searching for different points of view. Next thing I knew I was on the ground, looking up at the underneath of the flower, focused on the pattern of the veins, the life spreading veins, the route for nourishment. A narrow depth of field completed the artistic treatment for an award winning shot of a simple, yet beautiful, flower.